I want to share a lesson I learned from reading about the Civil War that is applicable to some of you. If you are part of Island Pond but not involved in any of the committees, teams, or other leadership roles, then please listen up!
Prior to the Civil War, there was a battle raging on in the senate and congress over slavery. Many of the southern states wanted the right to keep and protect their slaves while many in the other states did not want them to have that right. This continued on for years until it came to a head when Abraham Lincoln was elected. Lincoln’s election eventually led to many southern states to secede from the union and form their own country (at least, in their eyes).
The problem is that the United States continued on with their government systems even after the war, but without a lot of the folks that opposed messing with the institution of slavery. When the southern states had seceded, the elected representatives of those southern states left as well. In leaving, this made it incredibly easier for those that stayed to accomplish what they wanted to accomplish. Slavery laws were eliminated and slavery was eventually abolished BECAUSE all those southern states (and their representatives) left. The reality is that if they did not secede, slavery would have continued for many more years in the United States. But because they seceded, they made it easier for slavery to be abolished.
So why is this bit of history in a church blog?
The reason I write this is to encourage those of you who call Island Pond your church home but are not involved in the various committees or leadership roles. This may be because you are uninterested, too busy, or feel as if you are retired since you have helped in the past. Whatever the reason, if you are not involved, then you are missing out on the opportunity to share your thoughts and feelings on how the church should operate, just like those representatives did from the southern states.
I challenge you to get involved, share your thoughts, and do what you can to help out. Even if people do not agree with every one of your suggestions, you will have far more influence working in the groups than outside of them.
Sitting on the sidelines and not being involved will not help your church. We need every person to help out. We need more of you in leadership roles. Only then will your church truly begin to feel like your home church.